Whether or not you need a visa to visit India depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and
the duration of your stay. Below is a detailed explanation to help you determine if you need a visa and how
to obtain one:
Visa Requirement Based on Nationality
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India unless
they are entering from mainland China.
Citizens of the Maldives do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days (except
for work purposes).
For all other nationalities, a visa is required to enter India.
Types of Indian Visas
India offers various types of visas based on the purpose of your visit. Some common
types include:
- e-Visa: Available for tourism, business, medical purposes, or conferences.
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel and sightseeing.
- Business Visa: For business-related activities.
- Medical Visa: For medical treatment in India.
- Student Visa: For educational purposes.
- Employment Visa: For those working in India.
e-Visa for India
India offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for citizens of more than 150
countries. This is the easiest and fastest way to get a visa for short-term visits. Here are the key
details:
Eligibility
Check if your country is eligible for an e-Visa on the official Indian government
website
Indian Visa Online..
Purpose
e-Visas are available for tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending
conferences.
Validity
Tourist e-Visa: Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years (with multiple entries).
Business e-Visa: Valid for 1 year with multiple entries.
Medical e-Visa: Valid for 60 days with triple entries.
Application Process
Apply online at least 4–7 days before your travel date.
Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, etc.).
Pay the fee online (varies by nationality).
Receive the e-Visa via email.
Entry Requirements
Carry a printout of your e-Visa when traveling.
Have a passport with at least 6 months validity.
Present the e-Visa to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Cost
The cost of an e-Visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa.
Generally, the fees range from $10 to $100. Check the official Indian e-Visa portal for the exact fee
applicable to you.
Regular Visa (Sticker Visa)
If you are not eligible for an e-Visa or plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for
a regular visa at an Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country. The process involves:
- Filling out an online application form Indian Visa Online.
- Submitting your passport, photos, and supporting documents.
- Paying the visa fee.
- Attending an appointment at the embassy/consulate if required.
Documents Required for Indian Visa
The documents required may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for but
generally include:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages.
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of travel itinerary (flight tickets).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings).
- Additional documents based on visa type (e.g., invitation letter for business
visas).
Special Notes
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA): India does not offer a Visa on Arrival except for
citizens of Japan and South Korea under certain conditions.
2. OCI Cardholders: If you are a foreign national of Indian origin and hold an
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you do not need a visa to enter India.
Always apply for your visa well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Ensure that all information provided in your application matches your travel documents.
Use only official government websites to apply for e-visas or regular visas.